Boardsailing BSA

The Boardsailing, BSA Patch is NOT worn on the Uniform.
It is worn on the left side of the swim trunks.

Requirements

Review the BSA guidelines for boardsailing
and explain steps you have taken to follow each of the eleven guidelines
found in Section V of Camp Program and Property Management, No. 20-920.

Explain precautions to be taken for boardsailing on each of the following.

Lakes

Rivers

Ocean or bay areas

What is hypothermia? Describe to your counselor the symptoms of hypothermia.
What special considerations in preventing hypothermia are necessary for
boardsailing?

Properly rig and prepare the sailboard you are using. Point out and
explain the function of each of the following: uphaul, outhaul, downhaul,
cleat, leach, tack, clew, foot, skeg, centerboard, wishbone boom, universal,
luff, and center of effort. Explain how to steer the sailboard.

Demonstrate your ability to uphaul the sail, find the neutral position
to the wind (sail luffing), and control the board's position with foot movement.

With supervision from your instructor, sail a course that involves beating,
reaching, and running. Change tack by coming about.

Note to Counselors

Purpose

This award has been developed to introduce Scout-age children to basic boardsailing
skills, equipment, and safety precautions; to encourage the development of skills
that promote fitness and safe aquatic recreation; and to lay a skill and knowledge
foundation for those who will later participate in more advanced and demanding
activities on the water. Boardsailing BSA is well suited as a program feature
for older Scouts at summer camp.

Counselors

Any person recognized and certified as an instructor by Windsurfer International
or the United States Boardsailing Association may serve as a counselor for this
award with the approval of the local council. A person trained and experienced
in boardsailing skills and safety may serve as a counselor for this award in
a Scout summer camp program under the direction and supervision of a currently
certified Aquatics Instructor, BSA. All requirements must be completed as stated
on this Boardsailing BSA application. The counselor should not omit, vary, or
add requirements. The requirements should be taught and completed in the order
in which they are presented on the application.

Recognition

Scouts completing the requirements will receive a swimsuit patch, No. 00249.
A completed award application should be submitted to the local council by the
counselor or unit leader.

Teaching Areas

Instruction must be conducted on a body of water meeting the criteria defined
in the BSA guidelines for boardsailing. (See the "Aquatics" section of Camp
Program and Property Management, No. 20-920.) A steady five- to seven-knot
breeze is ideal for beginner practice. Initial water entry and practice should
be on a gradual beach that meets Safe Swim Defense standards. The body of water
should be free of other traffic, and be protected from shore and open water
so that students are within fifty feet of assistance at all times during beginner
instruction and practice.

References

A number of useful publications are available from equipment suppliers. The
following are recommended:

(Found in Section V of Camp Program and Property Management,
No. 90-920)

Whenever Scouts or Explorers participate in boardsailing activities, the
following guidelines and practices should be followed:

A responsible adult must supervise all board-sailing activities. The
supervising adult must be experienced and qualified in water safety (BSA
Lifeguard, Red Cross Advanced Lifesaving, or YMCA Senior Lifesaver) and
must be an experienced board sailor or use assistants with such qualifications.

Only persons who have successfully completed the official BSA swimmers
test in the current year may participate in a board-sailing activity.

All participants must present evidence of fitness assured by a complete
health history from a physician, parent, or legal guardian. The adult supervisor
should adjust all supervision, discipline, and protection to anticipate
any potential risks associated with individual health conditions. In the
event of any significant health condition, an examination by a physician
should be required by the adult supervisor.

All participants should receive instruction in boardsailing skills and
safety from an experienced board sailor.

All persons must wear an approved U.S. Coast Guard personal flotation
device (type II or III recommended) at all times while participating in
a board-sailing activity.

No one sails alone; always have a buddy on the water (in a boat or on
another board). Board sailors must stay within view and easy rescue range
of lookout in an appropriately equipped rescue boat.

No board-sailing at night, at dusk, or in rough water. Weather and water
conditions must be known and understood in advance of any board-sailing
activity, and weather forecasts should be studied. Exposure suits are recommended
for cool water or cool weather.

Avoid swimming areas, fishermen, and underwater diving activity. Use
designated board-sailing beaches when available. Stay out of traffic or
channels that have heavy traffic.

All equipment should be safety checked and repaired as needed before
each use.

When in difficulty, a person should stay with the board and not attempt
to swim ashore.

All participants should know, understand, and follow the rules and procedures
for safe board-sailing. The supervisor should encourage the individual exercise
of good judgment and self-discipline, and assure that safety rules are fairly
and constantly enforced.

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